A Delegation of AfWASA Received in Audience by the Minister of Water and Energy of Cameroon
As part of the preparations for the launch of the 23rd Congress of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), a delegation from the Association, led by its President, Dr. Blaise Moussa, who is also the Director General of CAMWATER, was received in audience by the Minister of Water and Energy of Cameroon, Mr. Gaston ELOUNDOU ESSOMBA.
On behalf of AfWASA, the President expressed his gratitude to the Minister for agreeing to receive the delegation, and above all, for authorizing Cameroon’s bid to host the AfWASA Congress.
The Executive Director of AfWASA also conveyed his appreciation to the Cameroonian authorities, particularly to the President of the Republic, for approving the hosting of this major continental event in Cameroon. He emphasized the significance of the launch ceremony as a key step in the event's preparation and a testimony to the host country's commitment. He also recalled the core missions of AfWASA, including capacity building for stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector in Africa, an objective the Association has pursued for over 45 years.
Speaking about the Congress, which will take place from February 9 to 13, 2026, the Executive Director stated that it will bring together more than 3,000 participants from various backgrounds: public decision-makers, utility operators, regulators, technical and financial partners, researchers, businesses, and representatives of civil society. It will serve as a unique platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and the promotion of innovative solutions to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Africa.
Taking the floor in turn, the Minister of Water and Energy welcomed the initiative, underlining the relevance of a platform such as the one offered by AfWASA. According to him, the challenges of water and sanitation are often shared across African countries, and responses must be tailored to local realities. He emphasized that exchange platforms like AfWASA Congress are crucial for sharing best practices, thinking collectively, and building sustainable solutions.
The Minister also stressed the need to develop dialogue and collaborative efforts, stating that only through such dynamics can effective solutions emerge. He reminded attendees that climate change is forcing a new paradigm in water resource management, requiring more efficient and resilient approaches to meet the needs of the population. Reaffirming his personal commitment, the Minister pledged to actively support the organization of the Congress.
The delegation was composed of the following members, in addition to the President of AfWASA:
- Eng. Olivier GOSSO, Executive Director
- Eng. Mahmood LUTAAYA, Chair of AfWASA’s Strategic and Technological Council (STC)
- Dr. Siméon KENFACK, Director of Programs, AfWASA
- Ms. Géraldine MPOUMA LOGMO, Head of Communications and Public Relations, CAMWATER, Vice-Chair of the AfWASA STC
- Ms. Stéphanie Nzickonan, Communications Manager, AfWASA
- Mr. Julien VIANSSON-PONTE, Sales Director, NGC and Exhibition Commissioner.
